Sheriff’s Helicopter Rescues Cross Country Runner to Safety

APPLE VALLEY:(VVNG.com)- A 20-year-old Costa Mesa man was hoisted to safety over the weekend by Sheriff’s Air Rescue 7 after suffering from a medical emergency while on the Pacific Crest Trail near the Deep Creek spillway in Apple Valley.

On Saturday, March 26, 2016, Zachary Hunt, was with friends cross-country running when Zachary began having a medical emergency. Zachary’s friends called 911 and requested assistance.

According to a Sheriff’s press release, Sheriff’s patrol helicopter 40K6, piloted by Deputy Roberg and Deputy Kowalski, responded and searched for Zachary. After a brief search, Zachary was located and appeared to still be suffering from an emergency. Sheriff’s rescue helicopter Air Rescue 7 responded and determined Zachary would need to be hoist rescued. Due to the remote location and steep terrain, the crew was unable to land near Zachary.

Pilot Corporal Mike Gilley and crew chief Reserve Deputy Wes Podboy positioned the helicopter over Zachary. Podboy lowered Sheriff’s Air Medic Horak to Zachary using the helicopter hoist. Zachary was assessed and hoisted into the helicopter, followed by Air Medic Horak.

Zachary was flown to a nearby waiting ambulance and treated with non-life threatening injuries.